Back to School

When Chau, a fourth-semester electrical engineering student at SAIT, thinks about her future, her biggest worry is not exams but finding a job.

 

“The market is tight nowadays and it is really hard to find a job that is related to my major,” Chau said. “Most employers want people with previous experience, and there are not many openings for students with no experience.”

 

Her concern reflects a broader trend across Canada. According to Statistics Canada, the youth unemployment rate reached 14.6 per cent in August 2025.

 

Erya, an accounting student, has been looking for part-time work in Calgary but found the process difficult.

 

“I had an interview last week, but compared to local people, my language is still not very good,” Erya said. “That makes it harder to get a job.”

 

For many international students, challenges go beyond resumes and interviews. Rising costs for housing, food and transportation in the city add pressure, and new federal rules on study permits and post-graduation work permits make the future even more uncertain.

 

At SAIT, students are feeling the pressure first-hand. Chau said she wants to keep studying, possibly at university, but her focus is on finding work. “Looking for a job is one of my plans. I also want to keep studying. I can maybe ...I can go to the university, but I will say I will focus more on finding jobs,” she said.

 

Erya is also uncertain about her future. “The rules maybe it is hard for me, harder to like to stay here. Maybe I will go back to my country,” she said.

 

Rising costs are another worry. Erya said her parents cover her expenses now, but if she had to pay on her own, it would be a big challenge.

 

Despite the difficulties, both students have advice for others. “Focus on the present, do your best in the study and maybe in the future it will pay back,” Chau said.

 

Erya said practicing English is key as an international student. “Trying to talk more with other people in the English language is very very important,” she said.

 

For international students at SAIT, back to school this year is about more than new classes. It also means carrying the weight of uncertain job prospects and the hope that their efforts today will shape a better future in Canada.